Om Mani Padme Hum

Lecture given by Tripitaka Master Hsuan Hua Translated by BTTS, USA

These six characters together make up the Six Character Bright Mantra, each one individually is able to emit brilliant light.

The first character is “nan (Sanskrit: OM)”. When you recite “nan” once, all ghosts and spirits must place their palms together. Why do they put their palms together? To maintain the rules and regulations. Conforming to the regulations, they follow the correct way. Recite this one character and all ghosts and spirits do not dare rebel and create confusion; they do not dare disobey orders.

This is the first sound in the Mantra “Ma ni (Sanskrit:Mani)” means “silent wisdom”. Using wisdom one is able to understand all principles, and thus is able to silently extinguished without production. It is also defined as “separating from filth” which means leaving all dust and filth. It can be compared to the “precious as-you-will pearl” which is extremely pure, with no defilement. Whatever excellence you wish to bring forth, if you have the “precious as-you-will pearl” it can be done. It can also fulfill your wishes accord with your thoughts. Every vow you make will be fulfilled. These are its benefits.

“Pa mi (Sanskirt: Padme)” actually should read “pa t’e mi. It means “light perfectly illuminating” and is also defined as “the opening of the lotus.” It is analogous to the wonderful lotus flower which is complete, perfect and fulfill without obstruction. It is the wonderful mind of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. This is “pa mi”.

Next comes “hung (Sanskrit: hum)” which means “put forth”. Anything at all can be born from this character “hung”. It also means ‘to protect and support’. Recite this character and all Dharma protectors and good spirits come to support and protect you. It also means ‘eradicating disasters”. Recite this character and whatever difficulties there are will be eradicated. It also means ‘success’ whatever you cultivate can be accomplished.

Recite the Six Character Great Bright Mantra once, and the immeasurable Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Vajra Dharma protectors constantly support and protect you. Therefore, when Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva finished saying this Six Character Great Bright Mantra, seven million Buddhas came to support, protect, and surround him. The strength and ability of the Six Character Great Bright Mantra are inconceivable, the intertwining of the response and way unimaginable, therefore it is called the Secret School. If one were to explain in details, the meanings would be immeasurable and unlimited, they cannot be completely spoken.